What is a Phlebotomy Technician and What Do They Do?
Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for collecting blood samples from patients and preparing them for testing. As members of the healthcare industry, these techs often work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, medical labs, blood donation centers, nursing homes, and research institutes. The terms phlebotomy technician and phlebotomist are interchangeable job titles for the same career.
An understanding of blood test types and technology is required for phlebotomists. Advances in medical technologies, dietary choices, and medications can all have an impact on blood testing. Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for staying up to date on these variables and for comforting patients who may be anxious about needles.
Phlebotomists are mostly responsible for collecting blood specimens that will be tested to assess health conditions and diagnose illnesses. They may also be responsible for preparing laboratory equipment, assessing a patient’s reaction to needles and adjusting their actions accordingly, labeling and shipping blood samples, and maintaining patient confidentiality throughout the process.
What Type of Phlebotomist Makes the Most Money?
The national average salary for phlebotomy technicians is $39,078 a year, or $18.78 an hour. The pay range for phlebotomy techs does have some variation due to opportunities for career advancement based on experience, education, location, and skill level.
More advanced phlebotomist positions earn salaries significantly higher than the national average. Those in executive and director roles may earn up to $138,000 a year. Roles in urgent care phlebotomy and crisis phlebotomy also earn more money at $95,183 and $78,167, respectively.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?
Though certification isn’t always required for phlebotomy techs, almost 95% of employers require or encourage it and it provides access to better career opportunities. Training to become a certified phlebotomy technician can be intensive, but may take less than a year to complete. Phlebotomists need to be well-versed in general first aid, have an understanding of human anatomy, and be CPR certified.
To be eligible for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam, a person must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency and have completed a phlebotomy tech training program within the last 5 years. As an alternative to completing a training program, prospective certified technicians can have 1 year of supervised work experience in the phlebotomy technician field within the last 3 years.
Fine-tuned motor skills and strong communication skills are essential for phlebotomists. Phlebotomy techs must be able to explain the blood-draw procedure and ease patients’ anxieties, maintain patient confidentiality, and insert needles into sometimes hard-to-find veins on the first try.
What are the Top Reasons to Become a Phlebotomy Tech?
A career as a phlebotomist can be rewarding for many reasons. The job outlook for phlebotomy technicians is positive, with an over 20% increase in opportunities for phlebotomists predicted in the next decade. The portability of this career path compounds this promise of job security. Phlebotomy technicians are needed in medical environments all over the world.
The speed with which training can be completed and the flexibility of learning opportunities online or on weekends/in the evenings is appealing to those with already busy schedules. If you’re interested in getting a foot in the door of a medical career, completing a phlebotomist training program can provide the chance to work in the medical field with many opportunities for advancement.
For those who thrive on human interaction, this career offers frequent opportunities to exercise people skills and do so in a way that could potentially help someone. Blood work is a necessary step in the diagnosis process for many patients and a skilled phlebotomist can make a patient feel comfortable during this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Being a Phlebotomy Tech Hard?
Being a phlebotomy tech is an appealing position for someone who likes to interact with others frequently in the medical field. Fine-tuned motor skills and an understanding of first aid and anatomy are required for phlebotomy technicians. This career may be more difficult for someone who feels uneasy around blood and needles.
How Long Does Phlebotomy Training Last?
Phlebotomy training programs can last anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. One benefit of phlebotomy training is the flexibility with which it can be completed through online programs.
Is a Phlebotomy Tech Different from a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy technician and phlebotomists are two titles that apply to the same career position and can be used interchangeably.
Which Phlebotomy Certifications are Best?
The best certification for phlebotomists is the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam offered by the National Healthcare Association.
Do You Have to Maintain Your Phlebotomy Certification?
Phlebotomy certifications must be renewed every two years. Before the certification expiration date, phlebotomy technicians must complete 10 continuing education credits and pay a recertification fee. If a certification expires, technicians have one year to reinstate it.